Nicole Richie's living room is the epitome of modern elegance – experts love how she's updated a classic design scheme

It's easy for a space to be elegant. It's easy for a space to be modern. But for a space to be simultaneously elegant and modern? That combination requires an artful blend of classic luxury and contemporary design.

Actress Nicole Richie's living room perfectly masters modern elegance. Her space combines dark hardwood floors and a marble fireplace with bright white walls, a jute rug, and a piece of beautiful abstract art over the mantel. It's the epitome of a contemporary classic look, and interior designers love the space.

Interior design experts say that the materials used in Nicole Richie's living room make the space feel wonderfully rich and luxurious. 

For instance, about her dark hardwood living room flooring, interior designer Mohammad Ahmed states: 'The dark wood flooring exudes a sense of sophistication and elegance; adding a high-end and timeless appeal to the space. Even though the design is dark, hardwood floors can bring warmth due to their natural, rustic origin. The deep tones can add depth to a room, making it feel cozy, cocooning and inviting.'

Mohammad Ahmed

Mohammad Ahmed is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Interior Design. He has worked as an interior designer for one of the world's most renowned companies, where he helped design homes all around the globe.

The living room fireplace is another classic design feature that has been elegantly elevated in Nicole Richie's space. 

'Marble is one of the most classically luxurious materials you can use in your home,' states Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens. 'It adds an instant feeling of old-world glamor to any space. However, by choosing a black marble with white veins for the fireplace ideas, Nicole has given this traditional design feature a more modern, sleek spin. The result is a contemporary masterpiece of a room.'

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.

When paired together, the dark flooring and fireplace create an utterly luxurious effect. Mohammad says, 'Dark hardwood floors with the black marble add a wonderful depth to the space. The juxtaposition of these dark tones against the white walls provides a sense of contrast which helps Nicole's space feel more layered and intriguing.'

But Nicole Richie's interior designer didn't stop there. Jennifer continues, 'It is the details that also make this space the perfect modern living room. The actress has incorporated a tactile jute rug, a striking abstract painting, and unique decorative objects on the inset shelves next to the fireplace. While the dark hardwood floors and marble fireplace might feel stuffy on their own, the layers of modern decor give the room a fun and lived-in feel.'

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Nicole Richie's living room is the perfect, modern elegant space. For further ideas on implementing the look in your own home, our list of decor trends to make your home look more luxurious offers more valuable decorating advice,